The Bloods made the finals in six of those seasons, including back-to-back grand finals in 2009 and 2010, where they were beaten by Golden Square.

Coburn also spent the past two years coaching the Heathcote District inter-league team.

I’m excited by the opportunity to help guide these young players in the region

Rick Coburn

“Having been involved in the academy development program over the past few years, it has given me a good eye-opener to who the young players are in the area and it’s going to be great now to be involved with the under-18 aspect,” Coburn said.

“I’m walking in with my eyes wide open; it’s great to be part of a talent pathway program and working with young players who are really keen to learn and develop their footy.

“That will be my focus, to help develop the lads to the highest possible standard they can reach in their own footy… whether that’s going back to their local club a better player or transitioning into the highest level of footy they can.”